The Silver Cross Foundation and Silver Cross Healthy Community Commission recently awarded $61,000 in scholarships to 41 hospital employees and their children to help further their education and training in this ever-changing world of health care.

Award recipients for the 2019-2020 academic year include:

$1,000 Donna and Jim Galligan Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by Donna and Jim Galligan, longtime Joliet residents and devoted supporters of Silver Cross Hospital.

Kristin Bragg – clinical nurse educator pursuing a Master of Science in nursing degree from Western Governors University

Cheryl Latsis – respiratory therapist pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from Saint Xavier University

Ashleigh Pollman – certified nurse assistant studying medical billing and coding at  Rasmussen College

$1,000 Twilla S. Margaron Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship is named after Twilla S. Margaron, who was a 1950 graduate of the former Silver Cross School of Nursing and an active member of the Silver Cross Advisory Board, which operates the Encore Resale Shop.

This scholarship is awarded annually to a Silver Cross nursing employee who is continuing her education.

Cheryl Cirrencione – case manager pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from Chamberlain College of Nursing

$1,600 Silver Cross Healthy Community Scholarships

This scholarship is awarded to residents residing in zip codes 60432, 60433, 60436, and the Lockport Grade School District #89 who are pursuing a course of instruction for health care-related programs.

Cassandra Burke – registered nurse pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree at Lewis University

Megan DiCaro – certified nurse assistant enrolled in Joliet Junior College's Nursing program

Dariana Garcia – employee in nutrition services and medical records studying pre-med at Aurora University

Isaiah Snapp – certified nurse assistant enrolled in Joliet Junior College's Nursing program

Yesenia Villagomez – patient service representative with Silver Cross Medical Group pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing

$2,000 Childerguild Women & Children Services Scholarships

This scholarship, which is funded by Childerguild, is awarded to Silver Cross employees who provide women and children services.

Noel Dobrowski – registered nurse in the special care nursery pursuing a Master of Science in nursing education degree from Western Governors University

Joanne Farrelly – surgical nurse in the procedural care unit pursuing a Master of Science  in Nursing degree from Olivet Nazarene University

$2,500 Paul Pawlak Scholarships

The Advisory Board, Childerguild, Will County Union of King's Daughters and Sons, and Silver Cross Medical Staff created this scholarship to honor Paul Pawlak's 27 years of service as Silver Cross Hospital's President and CEO. The scholarship is given annually to four employees who are continuing their education.

Rocio Arias – guest services emergency department lead pursuing a Bachelor in Health Administration degree from Governors State University

Katrina Baldys – registered nurse in the Emergency Department pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing Family Practice degree from Lewis University

Ashley Orlovich – director of critical care pursuing a Master of Science in nursing degree from Lewis University

Sharletha Veasy – certified nurse assistant pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from Chamberlain College of Nursing

$2,000 Physician’s Legacy Scholarship

The Physician Legacy Scholarship, which is sponsored by the Silver Cross medical staff, acknowledges physicians’ legacy of service and commitment to Silver Cross Hospital and is given annually to Silver Cross employees pursuing a health care degree.

Nicolette DeAngelis – registered dietitian pursuing a Master of Human Nutrition degree from University of Alabama

Kourtnee Fitzgerald – registered nurse pursuing doctorate in nursing practice – psychiatric mental health nurse degree from Regis College